Friday, March 30th 2012

Hugging curves in all the right places, the pencil skirt has dominated the workplace since its origins out of the fabric rationing of WWII. Loved by everyone from Joan Holloway to Carine Roitfeld, its continued popularity is a testament to style’s classic shape and flattering silhouette.

Adding a pencil skirt to your workwear wardrobe is a simple way to double, even triple, the number of outfits in your 9-to-5 rotation. Wear it with a bold Equipment blouse muted by a neutral Theory blazer. For a more casual look, layer a soft, cashmere sweater over your favorite button-down. A sequined, cropped jacket draws attention to the trim waist created by the skirt, and also brings a bit of sparkle to the office. But, the best thing about a pencil skirt is the quick transition from day to night. Throw on a playful peep-toe pump, add a statement ring, and you are ready to ditch the conference calls for cocktails.

Thursday, March 29th 2012

The spring collections are alive with ’20s inspiration, no doubt influenced by Baz Luhrmann’s interpretation of The Great Gatsby, opening later this year. The decade was defined stateside by the end of Prohibition and the nationwide enactment of women’s suffrage. In fashion, this translated to plenty of sparkle and a more relaxed silhouette (bye-bye corsets). It was a liberated era, fun and fancy-free.

And it’s the era that brought us Gatsby. In the story of star-crossed lovers reunited after decades apart, the wealthy mingle over mint juleps and champagne cocktails in what we can only assume was truly remarkable fashion. Channel the Buchanans’ ever-present pal, tennis star Jordan Baker, in a sporty drop-waist dress (like this one from newcomer By Zoe) and oxfords for day. Then, go full-on Daisy (opting out of her hopeless melancholy, of course) for night with a glittering Parker dress and elegant heels.

And if you’re ready to really embrace this decade’s style, you can follow the lead of Luhrmann’s Daisy, Carey Mulligan, and crop your locks to a sweet pageboy cut.

Wednesday, March 28th 2012

Cuffing your jeans is one of the easiest ways to transition from winter to spring. Here are four techniques to keep your look interesting.

THE MESSY BOYFRIENDBest for: Slouchy and distressed boyfriend jeans.How to do it: Create a small roll at the back, then begin rolling and catch the front up to the back. Keep the cuff thin and uneven for a casual, easy look.Wear with: Unstructured, beat-up ankle boots and sporty booties.

THE CALF CUFFBest for: Super skinny jeans.How to do it: Fold the bottom hem up 5 to 7 inches, creating a large single cuff. Pull the bottom of the cuff to straighten wrinkles and even out both legs. The more ankle left exposed, the sexier the look.Wear with: Tough, ankle-strap heels and playful peep-toe pumps.

THE DOUBLE BACKBest for:Stiletto jeans.How to do it: Fold the bottom hem up a few inches. Then, fold the hem back over the original cuff leaving some fabric exposed. A perfect edge is not necessary for this preppy warm-weather look.Wear with: Embellished, flat espadrilles and classic oxfords.

Tuesday, March 27th 2012

The lights have long since dimmed on the runways of Fashion Month, but around the halls of Shopbop, we’re still buzzing about our favorite trends for fall 2012. Unable to wait until the leaves start to turn, stylist Loni shares her excitement over western wear, and her tips on how to wear it now:

“The most standout western wear show for fall 2012 was, hands down, Isabel Marant. Some of the shirts look like full on vintage finds from a Texas thrift store. Band of Outsiders was also one of my faves. I’m crazy about the whole prairie vibe and luckily, we have so many items on our site that can help a gal wear this fall runway look right now. Pointy-toed and distressed leather boots are the epitome of western-inspired footwear. Pair them with a floral cotton maxi dress and a low-slung belt for look that’s fresh and forward.”

Monday, March 26th 2012

In another round of our new favorite fashion game, we’re focusing on the must-wear color of the moment: neon. Product Editor Erika had the enviable task of choosing which stiletto stunner she would wear, which to worship, and which to will to a (very lucky) friend.

WEAR:Giuseppe Zanotti “I can't get enough of two-tone right now, and this suede sandal does it up right with extra-bright shades of spring’s standouts, cobalt and mint.”

WORSHIP:ONE by Suecomma Bonnie“I love the unexpected combination of neon and snake, and the geometric detailing is stunning. If I wore them I might just stare at my feet all day!”

WILL:B Brian Atwood“One of my besties calls pink her signature color, and she's known to rock it from hoops to heels. These fringed beauties would be an instant classic in her collection.”

It’s your turn. Which would you wear, worship, and will? Tell us in the comments.

Friday, March 23rd 2012

This spring, the fashion world is obsessed with the surf trend. Seen all over the S/S 2012 runways, the beachy ease and sun-soaked feel projects a covetable carefree attitude. But, neoprene and swim tops require a well-trained fashion eye. That’s where Shopbop Stylist Karina comes in. She was happy to explain how easy it is to let your inner surfer shine.

LIBBY:Thankfully, the surf look doesn’t exactly mean pairing a wetsuit with pumps. How would someone go about interpreting this trend?KARINA: Have fun, but don’t overdo it. Little touches of scuba wear in your wardrobe go a long way. For a chic alternative to your usual wool pencil skirt, try a floral neoprene Elizabeth and James skirt. If you’re up for a more daring look, replace a traditional bra with a Lisa Marie Fernandez bikini top and throw a fun mesh top over it.

LIBBY:What accessories work best with this look?KARINA: I love the thought of tarnished and weathered jewelry pairings. Look to Pamela Love for great pieces to incorporate with this trend. Her tribal spike necklaces and her new totem rings and earrings are particularly nice.

Friday, March 23rd 2012

Hussein Chalayan is arguably one of the industry’s most innovative talents. Known for taking an experiential and experimental approach to design, his runway shows never fail to excite and inspire. The designer’s latest endeavor is Chalayan: a capsule collection with an effortless air defined by clean lines, gentle fabrics, and a muted color palette.

Thursday, March 22nd 2012

Los Angeles-based fashion designer Heidi Merrick is a true Californian. The daughter of renowned surfer Al Merrick, Heidi got her start in fashion design in 2006, when she showed a four-piece womenswear collection she patterned and sewed herself. Infused with true love for West Coast culture, Heidi Merrick clothing not only pays homage to the coastal beauty of California, but has become a fashion favorite.

Shopbop:Describe your current collection in three words or less.Heidi Merrick: Cool, luxe, Californian.

SB:What inspires you most?HM: People. I love to see someone in their element, being who they were meant to be. Spring was inspired by memories of surfer Tom Curren when he was 18, and my fall collection is based around the idea of another certain gentleman surfer.

SB:What music is currently on repeat in your studio?HM: Bon Iver, 90% of the time! We also mix in Miike Snow, Foster the People and a little Astrud Gilberto.

SB:What was your last travel destination?HM: Paris with my bestie—we just got back. We went for Paris Fashion week, meetings, and really just to readjust our eyes, as Bill Cunningham would say.